They have a four-day break ahead of the Anzac Eve match against Melbourne, who like Sydney is languishing near the foot of the ladder with a 1-4 record.

Richmond's first 12 goals came from turnovers, summing up its ability to heap the pressure on Sydney.

The Swans kicked the first two goals of the last quarter to trail by only 23 points, but they were too stagnant and inevitably, Jason Castagna cut off a pass out of defence and iced the win with his goal.

Franklin's third goal, a mark and a superb kick from an acute angle in the third quarter, took him to 927 and ahead of Essendon great Matthew Lloyd on the all-time list.

But overall it was a frustrating night for Franklin, who was starved of effective supply.

At half-time, Sydney was in front for disposals, clearances, hitouts, marks and free kicks.